Champion of abuse victims steps down

After 12 years as the director of the S.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Bourus is stepping down.

"You'd tell me right now, 'I didn't do it all' ... and indeed you probably weren't able to do it all, but you certainly did the yeoman's work," said Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, from the Senate floor Tuesday.

"On behalf of those countless and, in many cases, nameless people, thank you."

The Senate resolution, S. 984, calls Bourus unrelenting and says the number of shelters for battered women and children grew from 12 to 19 during her tenure. It also thanks her for working with the state Criminal Domestic Violence Study Committee and the Legislature to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Sen. Jake Knotts, R-Lexington, called Bourus the 'good cop' to her frequent partner in advocacy, Laura Hudson, head of the S.C. Crime Victims' Council.

"You helped bridge the gap of reasonableness between laws and how they could be enforced," said Knotts.

"I remember whenever the bad cop couldn't get the results that she wanted upstairs here, she sent the good cop in with reasonableness, and you did prevail. And with the help of both of ya'll, you all have prevailed through this state house for years and years and years for a good cause."

Bourus will retire at the end of June, and Pamela Jacobs has been tapped to succeed her.